The Secrets to Growing Healthy House Plants

A few important things to remember will make growing plants indoor easy and fun.

Choosing easy to grow plants-

Some plants are just easier to grow than others. Growing conditions, such as water and light, are critical to the growing success of all plants, but some plants are a little more forgiving if it isn't perfect all the time. Pothos and philodendrons are great examples of easy to grow plants. They are great if you are a beginner and don't have much experience, or really busy and don't have much time or desire to fuss over plants.

Light requirements-

The environment in our homes will dictate which plants will grow lavishly or which ones will suffer. No other environmental factor is more important, in growing good plants indoors, then adequate light. Homes have different light situations. If your home faces east or west it is much easier to grow plants because there is more light available indoors. In a room with windows facing north, plants will have to be placed very close to the window to receive enough light to grow. The florescent lights found in offices are a good source of light for plants. Plants that don't require real high light can survive and grow in this environment, without any outside light.

Plants differ greatly in their light intensity requirements. Plants with highly colored leaves, such as coleus and croton, and flowering plants and succulents grow best when placed in an area where they receive full sunlight. Others, like Chinese evergreens, philodendrons, and many other foliage plants, grow well with indirect light.

Low light plants (located more then 6' from a window without indirect light or in dull hallways): Philodendron, Dracaena, peace lily, Chinese evergreen, zee zee plant, pothos, asparagus fern, schefflera, dieffenbachia, rubber plant, and ficus, to mention a few..
High light plants (within 3' of a large south, east, or west facing window): Norfolk island pine, croton, African violet, and Christmas cactus, to mention a few.

Watering-

Overwatering can be a big problem for plants. The roots have to take in oxygen just like the top of the plant. If the root zone is constantly filled with water, the oxygen is pushed out.

Water your plants well, making sure the root ball is saturated, then let them dry out between watering. If it takes 10 days or more to dry out, wait until it does. Make sure there is a drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. If the water collects in the drip tray when watering, discard the water after 30 minutes. Don't let the plant soak it back up or stand in water.

Overwatering causes root rot and will kill your plant. The symptoms of root rot are the same as if the plant were dry, it will wilt. The root system is destroyed, so the top can't get any water.

Fertilizing-

Interior plants under active growing conditions should be fertilized every two to three months. During winter months, or under conditions of low light, the frequency of fertilization should be reduced.

There are many fertilizer available for indoor plants. Most are effective and safe if used as directed. A complete fertilizer, one which contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be used. Manufacturers are required by law to indicate the fertilizer analysis on the container label. This analysis is given in a series of numbers such as 10-15-10, 20-20-20, 14-14-14. The first number of the series indicates the amount of nitrogen; the second, the amount of phosphorus; and the third, the amount of potassium.

Transplanting-

As the upper portion of a plant grows, the root system gets larger, eventually filling all the available space in the container and becoming pot bound. When this happens plant growth will be restricted unless more room for root growth is provided by repotting.

The frequency of repotting depends upon the rate of growth of a particular plant. Slow-growing plants may require repotting every two to three years, while fast-growing plants may need repotted annually.

Usually, transplant to one size larger than the pot in which the plant was previously grown. By repotting into a too large container, the roots will grow more slowing the top growth and watering is more difficult to get right. Be sure to use a good potting soil.